Events

With winter coming on, join us at Donderos’ for cold weather specialties from different parts of France. We will serve our tapas the second Thursday of December rather than the first, since the Athens pre-Christmas parade is the first Thursday.

Our fixed-menu, fixed-price “tapas” evening will feature six varied “small dishes” from Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, Savoie, and the Auvergne. Tim will discuss the dishes and their backgrounds as they are served. You bring your wine of choice.

Tim’s recommended wines for this collection of dishes would be a light-bodied red, such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais (both slightly chilled, ideally). For a white, a well-chilled Viognier or unoaked Chardonnay

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, check at the Uncommon Gourmet (previously, “Healthy Gourmet”), 1087 Baxter St., telephone 706 353-3107. Dave Wells and Tim have frequently taught cooking and wine classes there, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Having followed many ethnic, regional -- and even political -- themes in our tapas menus over the past few years, we are proposing one of the few things we have never tried as an entire Tapas with Tim theme. Join us for an entirely vegetarian night. But trust that even ardent carnivores will find it robust and satisfying.

Our fixed-menu, fixed-price “tapas” evening will feature six international small dishes, either from the Mediterranean or inspired by cooking from there. These will be prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues, and Tim will discuss the dishes and their backgrounds as they are served. You bring your wine of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be an acidic, low-tannin red, like a Pinot Noir, Nero d’Avola, Tempranillo or Sangiovese. Or for a non-red, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño or a dry Rosé.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Uncommon Gourmet (previously, “Healthy Gourmet”), 1087 Baxter St., telephone 706 353-3107. Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Uncommon Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Join us for a very special Mother's Day Brunch, Sunday, May 14th from 9 AM to 2 PM. We'll be serving up some delicious specials so come out and celebrate that special lady in your life with a delicious brunch at Donderos'.

Local artist Emma Shore will be showing her paintings at Donderos' Kitchen for the month of April. An opening reception will be held on Friday the 7th at 3:30pm. Come out and enjoy the beautiful art work along with complementary refreshments. Below, a brief Bio from the artist:

. I am 28 years old and have only lived in Athens for about a year. I came here for many reasons. When I was nineteen I suffered a major spinal injury and herniated two discs in my lower back. It was the result of a condition called degenerative disc disease. I have suffered from severe chronic pain ever since that day. I had major back surgery when I was 21 and it took about a year to relearn to walk. It stabilized me but i still suffer from chronic pain. I moved to Athens to avoid the painful winters of the north, and enjoy the culture . I had no future in Connecticut. The cold weather crippled me. I spent a lot of time (about seven years) isolated in bed trying to just fight the constant pain. During this time I became immersed in film and graphic novels. I am inspired by so many illustrators and filmmakers. Making art has been my therapy. I have an unusual melancholy narrative. A lot of my work is about contemplation. I also love to illustrate and create characters. I try to stay positive and use my art as a way to channel feelings.

Because of recent changes in US immigration and travel policies, seven countries have been in the news: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The cuisines of these countries are unfamiliar to many Americans. Join Donderos’ Kitchen in exploring some of the surprisingly delicious dishes from these countries whose citizens may be banned from our country.

Our fixed-menu, fixed-price “tapas” evening will feature seven separate small dishes, served in six courses, prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a chilled white like a Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño or a dry Rosé; or an acidic, low-tannin red, like a Pinot Noir, Sangiovese or Tempranillo. Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Uncommon Gourmet (previously, “Healthy Gourmet”), 1087 Baxter St., telephone 706 353-3107. Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Uncommon Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Thursday, April 6th, 2017. Donderos’ Kitchen, 590 No. Milledge Avenue. First course served at 6:30 PM. Price: $50 for a couple, $25 for a single. Corkage fee is $2 per couple.

Favorites from six North American cities (and no Groundhog on his Day)

There is no specific ethnic or national theme for February’s tapas, other than that our Chef encountered these dishes in various North American cities or from acquaintances who came from those cities. Join us for a meal of specialties from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

Our fixed-menu, fixed-price “tapas” evening will feature six small dishes prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a low-tannin red, like a Pinot Noir or a go-to white, chilled, like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Uncommon Gourmet (aka, “Healthy Gourmet”), 1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107. Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Uncommon Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Thailand

Because the first Thursday of December usually features the holiday parade in Athens, our monthly tapas dinner will be on the second Thursday this month, December 8th. Join us for a meal of traditional dishes from several regions of Thailand.

Our fixed menu, fixed price “tapas” evening will feature six specialties prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine, or beer, of choice.

Please note that Thai cuisine is based on fish and to a lesser extent meat; it would be difficult for us to offer good vegetarian options this month.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño or dry rosé. For a red, he wouldn’t have one, but would choose beer instead.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Join us Thursday, November 3rd for a meal of traditional meze, or mezza, the small dishes of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our menu will feature six dishes prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño or dry rosé; or for a red, a Pinot Noir or Nero d’Avola.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a full-bodied red without oak, such as a Spanish or Italian wine or Hungarian Egri Bikaver. A well-chilled rosé would also work.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Join us Thursday, August 4th for a treat, six specialties from along the ancient Silk Road, the great transcontinental trade route that wound from China across Central Asia, Arabia and Turkey to the Mediterranean. Our dishes will feature cooking from Xinjian in Western China, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Persia, and Turkey.

Our fixed menu, fixed price “tapas” evening will feature six items prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a chilled white, such as an Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé, or for a red, a Pinot Noir or Chianti.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Tapas with Tim -- Thursday July 7th

Small Dishes from Spain, home of the original “Tapas”

Tapas, meaning “lids” in Spanish, originated centuries ago at Spanish taverns, where the wine merchant would place a slice of bread atop the customer’s wine glass as a nibble -- or possibly to keep out the fruit flies! Sometimes a slice of ham or cheese might be added. Fancy and creative tapas, changing with each new glass of wine purchased, began in the 20th century. Finally, “tapas bars” emerged, featuring numerous small dishes from which you could make an entire meal.

Our fixed menu, fixed price tapas evening this July will feature six delightful dishes from Spain prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine, or sangria, of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be Spanish, a Rioja or other red made from Tempranillo grapes, or a chilled Albariño or Spanish rosé.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Donderos' will be hosting the artwork of Athens Photography Guild all summer! The work of several photographers is featured in both of our dining rooms, and will rotate as the photographs sell. Join us Saturday, June 25 from 2-4pm to meet and greet with the guild members. Refreshments and finger foods will be provided!

Please see their website for more information about the Athens Photography Guild.

Tapas with Tim -- Thursday June 2nd

Small Dishes from India and Pakistan

Going into summer, how about some foods from the tropics? Our fixed menu, fixed price “tapas” evening will feature six delightful dishes from around India and Pakistan prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will introduce and discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine, or beer, of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a chilled faintly sweet white, like a Chenin Blanc or Albariño, or a French or American rosé. Some like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling with curry dishes. If you prefer red, try a Pinot Noir or Chianti. Beer would be more common in India.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Join us for a meet and greet with local artist Peter Thompson, light treats and refreshments will be provided!

The artwork of Mr. Thompson, former UGA professor and owner of Archipelago Antiques in Five Points, is on display during the month of May. Come chat, enjoy some beautiful artwork and free food Sunday, May 29 from 2-4pm!

May 5th, Cinco de Mayo in Spanish, is the Mexican national holiday celebrating victory in the Battle of Puebla on May 5th 1862. The battle was not for independence from Spain, which had happened 50 years earlier. Rather Puebla represented an unlikely crushing by a seriously outnumbered Mexican force of a French army sent by Napoleon III to try to establish a French empire in Mexico.

By chance Donderos’ monthly first Thursday tapas night falls on Cinco de Mayo. So Mexican food is in order -- and please do not bring French wine!

Our fixed menu, fixed price “tapas” evening will feature six delightful Mexican specialties prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will introduce and discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine, or beer, of choice.

Tim’s preferred wine to for this selection of dishes would be a chilled Spanish white, like an Albariño or Verdejo, or a rosé made from Garnacha grapes. Just not a French wine, considering what Cinco de Mayo celebrates. Mexican dark beer, like Modelo, would also go.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Join us Saturday, April 30 from 5-7pm for an artist reception featuring Ainhoa Balbao Cebrera. The reception will have finger foods and light refreshments. Ainhoa's artwork is on display in our two dining rooms all month. Please stop by any time in April to check out her beautiful work!

Tim’s preferred wine to for this selection of dishes would be light to medium bodied red, a Chianti or Nero d’Avola. Or for white, a cold Orvieto.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Tim’s preferred wine to for this selection of dishes would be a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, or a chilled dry French rosé.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

February has arrived, which means we have new art enlivening our dining rooms. Come in any time this month to delight in the work of Jamie Calkin. Near the end of the month we will be hosting an Artist Reception from 6-8pm that is open to the public. Please join Jamie, the Donderos' crew, and friends and family for this event!

To read about Jamie Calkin and check out his artwork, please visit his website:

Tim’s preferred wine to for this variety of dishes would be a Pinot Noir or Chianti, or a chilled dry rosé, Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Tim’s preference for wines to for this variety of dishes would be a Chianti or Nero d’Avola, or a well-chilled Orvieto or Pinot Grigio.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Spanish “Tapas” with Tim -- Thursday October 1st

Our late summer tapas evening will feature small dishes from Spain, the original home of those small dishes that accompany wine.

“Tapa” means a lid, and was once simply a slice of bread placed atop the glass of wine as a little accompaniment – or to keep the fruit flies from getting into the wine! Some tavern owners added a slice of ham or cheese, and tapas as we know them were born.

Join us for the “fixed menu” assortment of delightful Spanish tapas prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and friends. You bring your wine of choice.

Tim’s preference on wines to go with this variety of dishes would be well-chilled Spanish whites like Albariño, Verdejo, or a white or rosé from Rioja. For a red, a Pinot Noir would do.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Tim’s preference on wines to go with this variety of dishes would be well-chilled whites like Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc, or a dry rosé. For a red, a Pinot Noir or Chianti would do.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

North African and West African “Tapas” with Tim -- Thursday August 6th

We are back with our fixed menu evening of themed small dishes on Thursday August 6th. Join us then for assorted international treats prepared for you by Tim and friends. You bring your wine of choice.

The menu will be from North Africa and West Africa. Tim and family lived 2 1/2 years in Cameroon on his assignment for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Andrew and Anna, the co-owners who actually run Donderos’ Kitchen, served – and met -- in the Peace Corps in Benin. Tim’s work also took him on shorter assignments in Tunisia and Morocco as well as widely in West Africa.

In Tim’s opinion, certain wines pair well with this variety of dishes, particularly chilled whites and dry rosés. But medium to light-bodied reds, like Pinot Noir, would also do.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Price $45 for a couple, $25 for a single. Corkage fee is $2 per couple.

Seating is limited. To assure a place, please register and place a deposit in advance. Refunds will be given for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Please let us know when you place your reservation if you have any food restrictions. The menu is gluten free other than the couscous side dish. However the two centerpiece dishes include meat, which is central to the cuisines of the areas we are focusing on this time.

North African and West African “Tapas” with Tim -- Thursday August 6th

We will not hold tapas night at Donderos’ Kitchen in July because the first Thursday of the month, when we usually schedule it, conflicts with the Independence Day holiday and vacation period.

However, we’ll be back with our fixed menu evening of themed small dishes on Thursday August 6th. Join us then for assorted international treats prepared for you by Tim and friends. You bring your wine of choice.

The menu will be from North Africa and West Africa. Tim and family lived 2 1/2 years in Cameroon on his assignment for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Andrew and Anna, the co-owners who actually run Donderos’ Kitchen, served – and met -- in the Peace Corps in Benin. Tim’s work also took him on shorter assignments in Tunisia and Morocco as well as widely in West Africa.

In Tim’s opinion, certain wines pair well with this variety of dishes, particularly chilled whites and dry rosés. But medium to light-bodied reds, like Pinot Noir, would also do.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Price $45 for a couple, $25 for a single. Corkage fee is $2 per couple.

Seating is limited. To assure a place, please register and place a deposit in advance. Refunds will be given for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Please let us know when you place your reservation if you have any food restrictions. The menu is gluten free other than the couscous side dish. However the two centerpiece dishes include meat, which is central to the cuisines of the areas we are focusing on this time.

In Tim’s opinion, certain wines go well with this variety of dishes, particularly Italian whites, such as an Orvieto or Gavi, as well as the old standby Sauvignon Blanc. Medium-bodied reds will also go, such as Chianti, Barbera or Nero d’Avola from Italy, or a Pinot Noir.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Thursday, June 4th

Donderos’ 590 No. Milledge Avenue. First course served at 6:30 PM.

Price $45 for a couple, $25 for a single. Corkage fee is $2 per couple.

Seating is limited. To assure a place, please register and place a deposit in advance. Refunds will be given for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Tim’s recommendation to accompany this selection is a Spanish wine traditionally popular in England: Rioja. But any Spanish Tempranillo, not only those produced in the Rioja region, will serve well, and Pinot Noir always seems to go with a varied menu. Alternatively, beer is the popular drink throughout all the British Isles, and goes with tonight’s dishes as well.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Thursday, May 7th

Donderos’ 6:30 PM.

Price $45 for a couple, $25 for a single. Corkage fee is $2 per couple.

Seating is limited. To assure a place, please register and place a deposit in advance. Refunds will be given for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Bring the wine of your choice. In the Eastern Mediterranean, the traditional drink with meze is Arak, a licorice-containing alcohol, which is distinctly not the chef’s favorite. But throughout that region, dry rosé wines are popular, and go well with our dishes. Two go-to wines that will pair pretty well with our meal include Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave Wells at the Healthy Gourmet (1087 Baxter St, telephone 706 353-3107). Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Healthy Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Thursday, April 9th

The dinner begins at 6:30 PM, at Donderos’ (590 No. Milledge)

Price $45 for a couple, $25 for a single. Corkage fee is $2 per couple.

Seating is limited. To assure a place, please register and place a deposit in advance. Refunds will be given for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Stop by Donderos' in March to see the work of featured artist of the month, Susan T. Pelham. Join us for the artist reception Sunday, March 22 from 2:00-4:00pm.

Susan Tillman Pelham graduated from Florida State University in 1963 with a degree in Fine Art. Her major was in Painting with a minor in Art History. Twenty years later she spent three months in London, England updating her Art History at Sotheby’s Styles in Art course. Of her current work Susan says:

“Magic Realism of the 1940’s in painting intrigued me when I was a student at Florida State University in the early 60’s. I liked the work of Cadmus, Tooker, Albright, and Hopper. Only recently in exploring collage, and thinking about Magic Realism in the writings of Gabriel Garcia Marques and Franz Kafka have I begun to explore Magic Realism in my own work. I enjoy referencing literature in my collages. Often nursery rhymes, Haiku, Limericks, and children’s camp songs inspire the subject of a collage. I like hiding little jokes in the composition. I have fun with my work as I am creating it, and I hope other people have fun looking at it. “

Susan teaches painting in Madison and at her home in Monroe. She receives much critical acclaim in the region and has won numerous awards with her collages.